Biography of Patsy Cline

Before she died in an airplane crash in 1963, Patsy Cline had the best of both worlds, country and pop. By avoiding the country/western mold and appealing to fans more accustomed to middle-of-the-road music, she changed the course of country music and ushered in a new era for country female singers, one that dominates today. Cline's quality voice was perfect for torch songs -- emotional yet distant and cool at the same time. In 1957 she won an Arthur Godfrey Talent Scout TV contest, singing "Walking after Midnight." The single became both a country and pop hit, creating a pattern Cline followed throughout her brief career. In 1960 she both joined the Opry and saw her first smash hit, "I Fall to Pieces," a song backed by many strings and voices. Her producers continued marketing her to the pop audience, and very successfully, with similar hits to follow, including "Crazy" (written by Willie Nelson), "She's Got You," and "Leavin' on Your Mind." Even after her death, the songs were hits, among them "Faded Love," "Sweet Dreams (of You)," and "Anytime" (1969).Oddly enough, Cline entered the country-pop market against her wishes. She liked to yodel, wore cowgirl outfits into the early 60s, and detested some of her biggest hit songs. But she has become a legend and has influenced more modern female singers than all others combined. What a great voice ... ~ David Vinopal